Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 10:30
Hi George : As per Blues reply - all are needed.
You can also try 'Trend Micro' which has 'HOUSECALL', a free online scan.
Viruses are detected by what is called a 'signature'.
A signature is a part of the virus code that is unique to it - similar to your fingerprint.
On your home PC, the antivirus program that you run comes with a file with a full list of the KNOWN signatures. If this is not updated (at least weekly) then a new virus can enter your computer without your virus scanner being able to detect it.
Most good virus scanners check and upload the new signature file each time you log onto the internet. (I use Avast also).
Some virus install in the 'boot' sector of your hard drive.
These will not be removed by simply running antivirus programs.
They just reinfect each time you reboot.
When avast is installed, it offers to run a check when you reboot, hence before windows gets up and running.
HOUSECALL has its full signature file on the Trend Micro site, so it is always up to-date. It will detect most viruses, but cannot clean the boot sector.
Why so many virus scanners? Believe it or not, they all differ in their ability to detect, and some demand more resources than all your software combined.
In my experince, Nortons is the worst. (In fact some would say it acts like a virus itself in some respects).
So - suggested path of action :
1. Housecall - It will at least tell you what nasties are on your system.
2. Download and install AVAST. Then - tick the box that says 'boot check' or similar. Reboot and let it scan/remove.
3. Adaware & spybot ( and a router if you have kids at UNI doing I.T. ).
If all else fails, a clean install of Windows is sometimes needed.
But hey - you didn't have anything planned for the next 2 days!!
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